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Abstract

Methods: Twenty men and women, working in the offshore catering section onboard three offshore oil and gas
production platforms on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, participated in three focus groups. Data from the focus
groups were analysed according to a phenomenological approach, and supported by theories on presenteeism.

Results: The results show that the decision to attend work despite illness, first and foremost, was based on the
severity of the health complaint. Other factors identified were; the individual’s location once the health complaint
occurred, job satisfaction, the norms of the team, and experiences of how company policies on sickness
absenteeism were implemented by the catering section leaders.

Conclusions: Offshore working conditions may promote sickness presenteeism. The factors promoting sickness
presenteeism onboard the platforms reflected experiences of a healthy work environment.